Braces

Orthodontic Treatment In New York And New Jersey

Having crooked teeth and bite misalignment can make it difficult to chew, eat and talk properly. Furthermore, having a crooked smile can make brushing, flossing and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine harder, which can lead to cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues. Finally, one of the most prominent consequences of misaligned teeth is lower self-esteem. At Clemente Orthodontics, we proudly offer traditional braces, clear brackets and micro metal brackets to help patients transform their smiles and their confidence!

Why Choose Braces?

Orthodontics is the science of moving teeth. This stage of treatment begins when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth is nearly complete, usually during adolescence. If patients have undergone Phase 1 orthodontic treatment with a Growth Modifying Appliance (GMA), orthodontics will follow. While most orthodontic patients are adolescents, patients of all ages can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile with orthodontic treatment!

Parts of Braces

Braces are a tried and true option for straightening your smile—and in recent years, they have become more comfortable and sleeker than ever before. When you first get your new appliances, you may have questions about the different parts and how they work to give you a straighter smile. Our team at Clemente Orthodontics is here to help!

Here are some common parts of braces and what they do:

Archwires connect all of the brackets on the front of your teeth together, applying gentle pressure to move the teeth into alignment.

Brackets are stainless steel squares that are adhered to the front of your teeth. In addition to silver, metal brackets, Clemente Orthodontics also offers clear brackets for a more discreet look. We also use mico-mini brackets with our patients, which offer benefits as traditional brackets, but are around 30% smaller, revealing more of the tooth structure.

Elastics are round, thin bands that are placed around each bracket. At each appointment with our team, you will get to select new elastic colors. Whether you want to express yourself with your smile or want your appliances to look more discreet, you can select elastic colors to fit your smile goals.

It is common for some orthodontists to use spacers, also known as separators, in between the teeth and later bands around the back molars to stabilize the archwires. At Clemente Orthodontics, we are 100% dedicated to patient comfort, and do not use bands or spacers.

Clear Brackets

In addition to stainless steel brackets, we offer clear or ceramic brackets. Unlike traditional brackets, clear brackets are tooth-colored, allowing for more discreet treatment. Clear brackets are a great option for patients who do not want to draw too much attention to their appliances. Find out more about our team here.

Do I Need Braces?

The best way to know whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to schedule a consultation with our team. However, there are some noticeable signs that may indicate that you need orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth

  • Gaps between teeth

  • Overbite (when the top teeth significantly cover the bottom teeth)

  • Underbite (when the bottom teeth protrude over the top teeth)

  • Crossbite (when the top teeth are inside of the bottom teeth on one side or section of the jaw)

  • Difficulty brushing or flossing teeth

  • Difficulty speaking or chewing

  • Avoiding showing off your smile

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Caring for Your Braces

For best results, you need to take good care of your appliances and your oral health during treatment. Follow our tips for an effective and safe treatment experience:

Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports

Brackets and wires can easily break or be damaged if not properly cared for. To protect your appliances and your smile, be sure to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports.

Although you will see the Clemente Orthodontics team every 90 days for adjustments, this does not replace regular dental cleanings and checkups with your dentist. You should still visit your dentist every 6 months—healthier teeth and gums move easier during orthodontic treatment.

Food particles can easily get stuck in between your brackets and wires, which left untouched, can lead to cavities and gingivitis. It is important to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, and after meals, if possible. Flossing is just as crucial—your orthodontist at Clemente Orthodontics can walk you through how to properly and effectively floss with your appliances.

Avoid sticky and crunchy foods

Avoid sticky foods such as taffy caramel and gum and crunchy foods such as popcorn and hard pretzels. Additionally, do not bite directly into foods like apples, burgers or pizza—rather, cut them into smaller pieces before enjoying them.

Sometimes, brackets or wires can irritate the gums and cheeks. Keep orthodontic wax on hand to place over any irritating appliances, and use over-the-counter pain medication and a warm saltwater rinse to alleviate discomfort.